Cunard Line has announced an extensive refit and refurbishment programme for Queen Victoria this autumn.

The 2,000-guest vessel will undergo a three-week dry dock in Rotterdam, introducing refreshed public spaces, upgraded accommodation, and new wellness facilities before returning to service in November.

Queen Victoria will enter Damen Shiprepair in Rotterdam on October 17th, remaining in dry dock until November 5th as part of one of the most significant refurbishments undertaken on the ship in recent years.

The work will see several of the vessel’s best-known venues modernised while preserving the traditional design for which the ship is known.

Among the spaces receiving upgrades are the Grand Lobby and the Queens Room, both of which have been redesigned to enhance the guest experience while maintaining Cunard’s signature British style.

The Grand Lobby will be refreshed to reinforce the sense of arrival on board, while the Queens Room will be updated ahead of another season hosting Cunard’s Afternoon Tea service, live music performances, and Gala Evenings.

The refurbishment also includes enhancements to Cunard’s premium Grill Suites.

Queens Grill and Princess Grill accommodation will receive updated furnishings, refined décor, and redesigned interiors aimed at elevating the luxury suite experience.

Accommodation capacity will also be expanded with the addition of eight Britannia staterooms.

Among these will be three new Britannia Deluxe Oceanview cabins featuring floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic sea views. The new accommodation will be available to book from July 20th for voyages departing from November 11th, 2026.

A further addition will be the introduction of The Pavilion Wellness Café.

Already available aboard Queen Anne and Queen Elizabeth, the venue will make its Queen Victoria debut following the refurbishment, becoming the third ship in the Cunard fleet to feature the concept.

The café focuses on wellness-inspired dining, serving breakfast and lunch with menus centred on plant-based dishes alongside sustainably sourced meat, fish, and dairy options.

“Queen Victoria has always held a special place in the hearts of our guests, celebrated for her distinctive character, intimate spaces and unmistakable sense of British elegance,” said Katie McAlister, President, Cunard Line.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to refine the experiences and spaces she offers, with every decision approached with deep respect for the heritage and charm that make her who she is,” McAllister added.

“From the Grand Lobby to the Queens Room, every detail has been thoughtfully considered to ensure Queen Victoria continues to deliver the timeless luxury she is known and loved for. We can’t wait to welcome guests back on board to experience these beautiful enhancements for themselves,” she said.

Following completion of the work, Queen Victoria will resume service on November 7th, 2026.

The ship’s 2027 deployment includes cruises to the Mediterranean, Norwegian Fjords, Canary Islands, and other European destinations as Cunard continues operating one of the world’s largest luxury ocean liner fleets.

The refurbishment forms part of Cunard’s ongoing investment in its existing ships, introducing popular features already found elsewhere in the fleet while updating accommodation and public areas to meet evolving guest expectations without altering the traditional character that distinguishes the brand.

Queen Victoria refurbishment highlights

• 3-week dry dock in Rotterdam
• Dry dock from October 17th to November 5th, 2026
• Refreshed Grand Lobby
• Reimagined Queens Room
• Upgraded Queens Grill and Princess Grill Suites
• Eight new Britannia staterooms
• Three new Britannia Deluxe Oceanview cabins
• The Pavilion Wellness Café introduced
• Returns to service on November 7th, 2026
• 2027 itineraries include the Mediterranean, Norwegian Fjords and Canary Islands